1
|
Cervello M, Augello G, Cocco L, Ratti S, Follo MY, Martelli AM, Cusimano A, Montalto G, McCubrey JA. The potential of the nutraceutical berberine in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and other liver diseases such as NAFLD and NASH. Adv Biol Regul 2024; 92:101032. [PMID: 38693042 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2024.101032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer which unfortunately has poor outcomes. Common anti-cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy have not increased patient survival significantly. A common treatment for HCC patients is transplantation, however, it has limitations and complications. Novel approaches are necessary to more effectively treat HCC patients. Berberine (BBR) is a nutraceutical derived from various fruits and trees, which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various diseases such as diabetes and inflammation. More recently, the anti-proliferation effects of BBR have been investigated in the treatment of patients with various cancers, especially colorectal cancer, and in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this review, we will focus on studies with BBR in liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Augello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Cusimano
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy; Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Janthamala S, Promraksa B, Thanee M, Duenngai K, Jusakul A, Kongpetch S, Kraiklang R, Thanee K, Pinlaor P, Namwat N, Saya H, Techasen A. Anticancer properties and metabolomic profiling of Shorea roxburghii extracts toward gastrointestinal cancer cell lines. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:178. [PMID: 38689275 PMCID: PMC11061966 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04479-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) ranks as the highest cause of cancer-related deaths globally. GIC patients are often diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting effective treatment options. Chemotherapy, the common GIC recommendation, has significant disadvantages such as toxicity and adverse effects. Natural products contain substances with diverse pharmacological characteristics that promise for use in cancer therapeutics. In this study, the flower of renowned Asian medicinal plant, Shorea roxburghii was collected and extracted to investigate its phytochemical contents, antioxidant, and anticancer properties on GIC cells. METHODS The phytochemical contents of Shorea roxburghii extract were assessed using suitable methods. Phenolic content was determined through the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while flavonoids were quantified using the aluminum chloride (AlCl3) method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the FRAP and DPPH assays. Cytotoxicity was assessed in GIC cell lines via the MTT assay. Additionally, intracellular ROS levels and apoptosis were examined through flow cytometry techniques. The correlation between GIC cell viability and phytochemicals, 1H-NMR analysis was conducted. RESULTS Among the four different solvent extracts, ethyl acetate extract had the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents. Water extract exhibited the strongest reducing power and DPPH scavenging activity following by ethyl acetate. Interestingly, ethyl acetate extract demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity against three GIC cell lines (KKU-213B, HepG2, AGS) with IC50 values of 91.60 µg/ml, 39.38 µg/ml, and 35.59 µg/ml, while showing less toxicity to normal fibroblast cells. Ethyl acetate extract induced reactive oxygen species and apoptosis in GIC cell lines by downregulating anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Metabolic profiling-based screening revealed a positive association between reduced GIC cell viability and phytochemicals like cinnamic acid and its derivatives, ferulic acid and coumaric acid. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the potential of natural compounds in Shorea roxburghii in the development of more effective and safer anticancer agents as options for GIC as well as shedding light on new avenues for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sutthiwan Janthamala
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Bundit Promraksa
- Regional Medical Sciences Center 2 Phitsanulok, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Malinee Thanee
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Kunyarat Duenngai
- Department of Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, Phetchabun Rajabhat University, Phetchabun, Thailand
| | - Apinya Jusakul
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories (CMDL), Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Sarinya Kongpetch
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Ratthaphol Kraiklang
- Nutrition for Health Program, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Kidsada Thanee
- Faculty of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
| | - Porntip Pinlaor
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories (CMDL), Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Nisana Namwat
- Systems Biosciences and Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Hideyuki Saya
- Cancer Center, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Anchalee Techasen
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories (CMDL), Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xiong RG, Huang SY, Wu SX, Zhou DD, Yang ZJ, Saimaiti A, Zhao CN, Shang A, Zhang YJ, Gan RY, Li HB. Anticancer Effects and Mechanisms of Berberine from Medicinal Herbs: An Update Review. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27144523. [PMID: 35889396 PMCID: PMC9316001 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has been a serious public health problem. Berberine is a famous natural compound from medicinal herbs and shows many bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial activities. In addition, berberine shows anticancer effects on a variety of cancers, such as breast, lung, gastric, liver, colorectal, ovarian, cervical, and prostate cancers. The underlying mechanisms of action include inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, suppressing metastasis, inducing apoptosis, activating autophagy, regulating gut microbiota, and improving the effects of anticancer drugs. This paper summarizes effectiveness and mechanisms of berberine on different cancers and highlights the mechanisms of action. In addition, the nanotechnologies to improve bioavailability of berberine are included. Moreover, the side effects of berberine are also discussed. This paper is helpful for the prevention and treatment of cancers using berberine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Gu Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (R.-G.X.); (S.-Y.H.); (S.-X.W.); (D.-D.Z.); (Z.-J.Y.); (A.S.)
| | - Si-Yu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (R.-G.X.); (S.-Y.H.); (S.-X.W.); (D.-D.Z.); (Z.-J.Y.); (A.S.)
| | - Si-Xia Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (R.-G.X.); (S.-Y.H.); (S.-X.W.); (D.-D.Z.); (Z.-J.Y.); (A.S.)
| | - Dan-Dan Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (R.-G.X.); (S.-Y.H.); (S.-X.W.); (D.-D.Z.); (Z.-J.Y.); (A.S.)
| | - Zhi-Jun Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (R.-G.X.); (S.-Y.H.); (S.-X.W.); (D.-D.Z.); (Z.-J.Y.); (A.S.)
| | - Adila Saimaiti
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (R.-G.X.); (S.-Y.H.); (S.-X.W.); (D.-D.Z.); (Z.-J.Y.); (A.S.)
| | - Cai-Ning Zhao
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Ao Shang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Yun-Jian Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Ren-You Gan
- Research Center for Plants and Human Health, Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Agricultural Science & Technology Center, Chengdu 610213, China;
| | - Hua-Bin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (R.-G.X.); (S.-Y.H.); (S.-X.W.); (D.-D.Z.); (Z.-J.Y.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-20-8733-2391
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Effects of Berberine on Liver Cancer. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221102032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, otherwise known as hepatocellular carcinoma, is a chronic disease condition with an excessive deposition and growth of malignant cells in the body. The high incidence and prevalence rates of liver cancer continue to be problems, as well as its poor prognosis and therapeutic limitations involving severe drug adverse reactions linked to the use of synthetic chemotherapeutic compounds. Continuous experimental studies, as well as utilization of pure herbal-based compounds, are essential towards finding more potent cures for liver cancer. Natural bioactive compounds, particularly alkaloids (eg, berberine), have been shown to be highly beneficial in the treatment of various diseases. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid, is obtained from stem, bark, roots, rhizomes, and leaves of several medicinal plants, including Berberis species. It is commonly synthesized from the benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline system with the incorporation of an additional carbon atom as a bridge. The multiple attributes of BBR involving effective inhibitory and cytotoxic actions against the proliferation of cancer cells have been demonstrated. The use of BBR in experimental studies (in vivo and in vitro) for over a decade for liver cancer treatment has proven to be highly effective, safe, and potent. Until now, the poor solubility of BBR remains one of the contributing factors leading to its minimal clinical bioavailability. Therefore, BBR could serve as a prospective drug candidate in the future towards drug formulation for liver cancer treatment. The relevant information regarding this review was obtained electronically through the use of databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, Hindawi, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All the aforementioned databases were searched from 1981 to 2020. This literature represents an update of previous review papers discussing the various positive pharmacological and mechanistic effects (oxidative stress regulation, inflammation reduction, apoptosis activation, overcoming drug resistance, and metastasis inhibition) of BBR for liver cancer treatment, which would be of great significance to drug development and clinical research.
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhu WQ, Wu HY, Sun ZH, Guo Y, Ge TT, Li BJ, Li X, Cui RJ. Current Evidence and Future Directions of Berberine Intervention in Depression. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:824420. [PMID: 35677435 PMCID: PMC9168319 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.824420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A major type of serious mood disorder, depression is currently a widespread and easily overlooked psychological illness. With the low side effects of natural products in the treatment of diseases becoming the pursuit of new antidepressants, natural Chinese medicine products have been paid more and more attention for their unique efficacy in improving depression. In a view from the current study, the positive antidepressant effects of berberine are encouraging. There is a lot of work that needs to be done to accurately elucidate the efficacy and mechanism of berberine in depression. In this review, the relevant literature reports on the treatment of depression and anxiety by berberine are updated, and the potential pharmacological mechanism of berberine in relieving depression has also been discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qian Zhu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hui-Ying Wu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, The Eastern Division of First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Tong-Tong Ge
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bing-Jin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Li, ; Ran-Ji Cui,
| | - Ran-Ji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Li, ; Ran-Ji Cui,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nisa S, Shoukat M, Bibi Y, Al Ayoubi S, Shah W, Masood S, Sabir M, Asma Bano S, Qayyum A. Therapeutic prospects of endophytic Bacillus species from Berberis lycium against oxidative stress and microbial pathogens. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:287-295. [PMID: 35002421 PMCID: PMC8716895 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.08.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endophytes are microorganisms residing within plant tissues. Bacterial endophytes are important sources for production of pharmaceutically important metabolites. Berberis lycium is an important medicinal plant and there exist no report regarding isolation and determination of bioactive potential of its bacterial endophytes. Therefore the present study was aimed to isolate and identify bacterial endophytes from Berberis lycium. The study resulted in isolation of 20 strains of bacterial endophytes. Based on their antibacterial activity three strains were identified as Bacillus cereus (LBL6), Bacillus thuringiensis (SBL3) and Bacillus anthracis (SBL4) on basis of 16SrRNA gene using universal primers. Crude ethyl acetate extracts of LBL6, SBL3 and SBL4 were further evaluated for antioxidant and antifungal activities. Moderate antioxidant activity (56 %) at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL was observed for LBL6 followed by 45 and 43 % activity by SBL4 and SBL3 respectively. Significant antifungal activity was observed against Aspergillus niger (60 %) and Aspergillus flavus (56 %) at concentration of 4 mg/mL of SBL3 and SBL4 respectively. GCMS analysis of extract (LBL6) exhibited presence of 12 bioactive secondary metabolites corresponding to antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, antitumor and anticancer activities. In conclusion, present study highlighted the importance of Berberis lycium to host diverse bacterial endophytes of pharmaceutical importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sobia Nisa
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22620 Pakistan
| | - Mubarra Shoukat
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22620 Pakistan
| | - Yamin Bibi
- Department of Botany, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi 46300 Pakistan
| | - Samha Al Ayoubi
- Department of General Sciences, Prince Sultan University, Rafha Street, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Waqas Shah
- Department of Biotechnology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad 22060, Pakistan
| | - Saadia Masood
- Department of Statistics & Mathematics, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi 46300 Pakistan
| | - Maimoona Sabir
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22620 Pakistan
| | - Syeda Asma Bano
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22620 Pakistan
| | - Abdul Qayyum
- Department of Agronomy, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22620 Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Verma S, Wani IA, Khan S, Sharma S, Kumari P, Kaushik P, El-Serehy HA. Reproductive Biology and Pollination Ecology of Berberis lycium Royle: A Highly Valued Shrub of Immense Medicinal Significance. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:plants10091907. [PMID: 34579437 PMCID: PMC8468936 DOI: 10.3390/plants10091907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Study of reproductive biology and pollination ecology helps in understanding the life history patterns of species. Such a study brings to light the bottlenecks, if any, on account of which the individuals of the species are not able to reproduce in nature and ultimately helps in planning appropriate conservation strategies for the species under threat. The present study was aimed at examining the morphological and reproductive variance in Berberis lycium, a threatened ecological specialist growing within shrubberies and open hillsides of the North-Western Himalayas in India. B. lycium displays three different variants. Flowering period ranges from February to September. Pollen viability as reported on fluorescein diacetate and acetocarmine treatments was highest for variant I, while maximum pollen output was obtained for variant III. Pollen pistil interaction is brought by the movement of anther towards stigma. Fluorescence microscopy of hand pollinated club shaped stigma shows that the germinating pollen form a ring over the receptive adaxial surface. Pollination syndrome is entomophily. Variant II attracts a significantly large number of pollinators from diverse insect families. Breeding experiments reflect that plants are self-compatible and cross fertile. Reproductive output (% fruit set) was highest for variant II followed by III and I, respectively. This investigation helped to understand the effect of different biotic and abiotic constraints on the phenology and reproductive biology of the plant. The information generated so will enable conservationists to design appropriate strategies for its long-term survival and sustenance in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susheel Verma
- Conservation and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri 185234, India; (I.A.W.); (S.K.); (S.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Ishfaq Ahmad Wani
- Conservation and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri 185234, India; (I.A.W.); (S.K.); (S.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Sajid Khan
- Conservation and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri 185234, India; (I.A.W.); (S.K.); (S.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Supriya Sharma
- Conservation and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri 185234, India; (I.A.W.); (S.K.); (S.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Priyanka Kumari
- Conservation and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri 185234, India; (I.A.W.); (S.K.); (S.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Prashant Kaushik
- Instituto de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Hamed A. El-Serehy
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh l1451, Saudi Arabia;
| |
Collapse
|